The driver saw a message on the parking meter stating that parking was free on Saturday and did not pay. A few months later, he received a fine of 165 zlotys with an explanation that there was a software malfunction.
On July 19, the driver left his car in a paid parking zone. A message appeared on the parking meter screen: «Today is a free parking day,» so he decided that he did not need to pay, but took a photo of the screen just in case.
Later, he received a letter from the City Roads Authority (ZDM): it turned out that payment was still mandatory. The agency explained that the message appeared due to a program error, and according to the rules, the driver should have attempted to pay or use another parking meter.
Initially, the complaint was rejected, but later the decision was changed. The manufacturer of the parking meters acknowledged the malfunction and agreed to cover all fines issued due to the error. Those who have already paid will be promised a refund.
The ZDM added that other parking meters and mobile applications were functioning normally, and information about paid parking was indicated on signs and devices.
The problematic parking meter was disabled, and the manufacturer took responsibility and costs. The agency apologized and reminded that parking in the zone is always paid, and the absence of payment is considered a violation, even if a technical failure occurred.
The parking meter showed a day without fees, but a penalty came — a loud case from Gdynia with a happy ending
